Q. Why did you move back to Harlan County, Kentucky after living in Louisville, Dayton, Richmond, and Jacksonville, Florida?
A. Surprisingly enough, it was the best choice for a location to open my photography studio. It is a dream that I've worked hard to accomplish, and after giving it lots and lots of thought, I wanted to do it back home. More often than not, people move out of the county to do things like this. I think it's time to keep our money and businesses local.
Q. How did you get into photography?
A. After studying psychology for 4 years at EKU, I realized that profession wasn't right for me. I did a bit of soul searching and asked myself, "What would I do if I never had to work?" My answer was that I would travel and take pictures. Then, for the first time in my life, it was clear what I should do. Then next semester I transferred to a photography school and began my journey to becoming a professional photographer.
Q. Did you go to school for photography?
A. As I touched on in the previous question, yes I did. I went to the Ohio Institute of Photography in Dayton, Ohio for almost 2 years. It was the best career choice that I have ever made. I learned from the best photographers in the field, many of whom are international award winners and studio owners.
Q. Have you won any photography awards?
A. Yes. The ones that I'm most proud of are ones that I received at graduation. I was awarded "Outstanding Portfolio", "Outstanding Graduate", and "Highest GPA". My image, "Say 'cheese' my Ass!" was accepted into the prestigious Gallery Elite Collection.
In 2006, my image "Old Soul" won 1st place in the Literary Leo award in Louisville, KY. This is an annual photography contest held by the most popular alternative newspaper in Louisville. It goes out to 200,000 people each week. The image was printed on the front cover of the February 2006 issue.
Q. What is your favorite subject to shoot?
A. Although I enjoy different types of photography for different reasons, my absolute favorite subject is high school seniors. It's very exciting to know I am helping to capture their transition from adolescence to adulthood in photographs. They are also the ones who most enjoy and appreciate my style of photography. My senior shots have been described as "edgy" "fashion-inspired" and "unique".
Q. Do you do outdoor pictures?
A. Yes, in fact I really enjoy location photography. We are blessed with a beautiful natural background that no studio backdrop can mimic!
Q. Can I include my dog or cat in our family session? He/she is like a member of the family?
A. Of course! I love animals and I couldn't imagine taking family portraits without my cat!
Q. Do you touch up your pictures?
A. Every single picture that I proof has been digitally enhanced. I take away blemishes, smooth skin, whiten eyes and teeth, etc. You are not charged extra!
Q. Do you restore old photographs?
A. I do not. Since our studio is 100% digital, I no longer have a photo scanner. If you are interested in photo restoration, contact me and I will refer you to someone who does.
Q. How do you print your pictures?
A. I send them to a professional lab. I will never EVER sell you an inkjet printed photograph. Not only do I think that is extremely unprofessional, but just wrong. I hold our image quality to the highest standards.
Q. How long does it take before I can see my pictures?
A. It depends on the season, but it usually takes less than a week. This gives me time to pick out all the best portraits and retouch them. After your session you will make a viewing/ordering appointment where you will view all of your proofs on a high definition flat screen TV.
Q. When do I pay for the pictures?
A. At the time of ordering. You can arrange to pay 50% on the ordering date and 50%the day you pick them up.
Q. How long does it take for my pictures to get in?
A. Generally about 2 weeks for pictures 8x10 and smaller. Specialty items such as photo jewelry, photo bags, books & albums take 3-6 weeks.
Q. What gift items do you offer?
A. I'm very proud of the line of gift products that we offer. You can choose from photo necklaces, bracelets, keychains, purses, laptop bags, diaper bags, hardcover books, and gallery wrapped canvas prints just to name a few!
Q. I took a picture of my son/daughter with my digital camera that I love. Can you have it put on a purse/necklace for me?
A. Unfortunately, no. We only use images that we take. There are several reasons for this including copyright laws. The images also have to be of the highest quality, color, and contrast to make your purse/bag look its best. But we can guarantee that you will love the images that we take!
Q. Where is your studio located?
A. At 401 W. Main Street in Cumberland, Kentucky. Those familiar with the area will know it as the former home of Modern Electric Furnature. It is a beautiful, historic 2500 sq. foot store-front building directly across the street from Cumberland's City Hall.
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